Six Flags executive chairman Selim Bassoul will step down at the end of the year, the company announced Friday, marking the second departure in its executive ranks for 2025.
Bassoul was Six Flags’ CEO until its merger with Cedar Fair last year, when he moved into the executive chairman position. His replacement as CEO was Cedar Fair chief Richard Zimmerman — who is also leaving at the end of the year.
Their departures reflect the disappointing results of the merger. For investors, shares of Six Flags have dropped more than 64 percent since the merger was completed in July 2024 amid poor financial results, including a 9 percent attendance drop in the second quarter of 2025. For fans, the merger’s most visible effects have been sudden ride closures, delayed coaster openings, few major ride investments and even the impending demise of an entire Six Flags park.
Bassoul sounded a more positive note in his exit statement, saying: ““Leading the Six Flags Board of Directors through a period of transformation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Together, we built a stronger, more innovative company – one that successfully completed the industry’s largest merger, expanded its growth opportunities, and refined the guest experience through technology and creativity.”
Daniel Hanrahan, another board member who previously chaired Cedar Fair’s board before the merger, is also leaving at the end of 2025. The Six Flags board will be reduced to 10 members, with Marilyn Spiegel assuming the title of non-executive chair.
Spiegel has been a Six Flags director since 2023 and previously served as president of Wynn Resorts Las Vegas.
In a statement, Spiegel said: “Looking ahead, we are focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences and operating parks as efficiently as possible. Our process to identify the company’s next CEO is underway and we are excited for Six Flags to achieve its full potential in the years ahead.”